Unstoppable! 'Do You Believe?' — Acts 26:25-28

Thursday, December 7, 2023

But Paul replied [to Festus' charge that he had lost his mind because he believed in the resurrection of Jesus], "I am not insane, Most Excellent Festus. What I am saying is the sober truth. And King Agrippa knows about these things. I speak boldly, for I am sure these events are all familiar to him, for they were not done in a corner! King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do —"

Agrippa interrupted him.

— Acts 26:25-28 NLT

Key Thought

For Jews who believe in God and the Scriptures, the testimony of the Old Testament prophets is one of the great reasons to believe in the resurrection of Jesus. Jesus' death as God's suffering servant who gave his life for the sins of the people was prophesied in Isaiah's "Servant Songs."* After Jesus' resurrection, he opened the apostles' minds to understand those prophecies as well as others that spoke of his resurrection.** Paul reminded Festus that King Agrippa, the Roman-appointed Jewish King, was sitting beside him. Agrippa knew the Scriptures and the prophecies. The question, Paul emphasized, was whether or not King Agrippa believed the prophets' testimony. And, dear friend, the question for you and me is also whether or not we believe their testimony.

* See our first set of Related Scripture Readings.
** See our second set of Related Scripture Readings.

Today's Prayer

Almighty God, thank you for the long testimony of the Scriptures that were written and collected over thousands of years. Their inspired testimony^ reminds us that your plan throughout history was to send Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy and the Savior of all people.^^ Thank you, Father! Thank you! In Jesus' name, we offer our eternal gratitude and appreciation. Amen.

^ 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21.
^^ John 4:42; 1 John 4:13-16

Related Scripture Readings

  • Isaiah 42:1-4, 49:1-6, 50:4-7, 52:13-53:12
  • Luke 24:44-49; Acts 2:22-36

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Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, December 7, 2023

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'Overcoming Failure' (Lk. 22:31-32)
"[Jesus said,] "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not....."

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 26:25-28 NLT — But Paul replied [to Festus' charge that he had lost his mind because he believed in the resurrection of Jesus], "I am not insane, Most Excellent Festus. What I am saying is the sober truth. And King Agrippa knows about these things. I speak boldly, for I am sure these events are all familiar to him, for they were not done in a corner! King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do —" Agrippa interrupted him.

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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